Netball: A new low? Silver Ferns lose to Jamaica again

Bailey Mes and Ameliaranne Ekenasio of the Silver Ferns compete for the ball with Stacian Facey and Shamera Sterling of Jamaica. Photo / Getty

Jamaica 59
Silver Ferns 53

Despite a humbling defeat to Jamaica in the final of the Taini Jamison Trophy, Silver Ferns captain Katrina Grant still strongly believes New Zealand stand a chance of winning gold in next month's Commonwealth Games.

The Silver Ferns' shocking 59-53 defeat at the hands of Jamaica this afternoon left a major dent in New Zealand's chances of a Commonwealth Games podium finish.

Losing to all three of their main rivals - Australia, England and Jamaica - in the first few months of their 2018 season, their trip to the Gold Coast seems a dommed mission for the Ferns, who could become the first New Zealand side to miss out on a medal in Commonwealth Games netball history.

However, while admitting to the obvious disappointment felt from their double defeat, Grant's faith was not shaken.

"Absolutely," Grant said when asked if she thought the Ferns could win Commonwealth Games gold.

"I'm not going over there and not aiming to win a gold medal, no way."

"It does hurt watching Jamaica celebrate at the end of the game, it's probably something we all need to remember and make sure it doesn't happen again, because that hurts."

Time is running out before the Games begin, but Grant aims to use the losses as motivation.

"I don't think it has hurt our confidence, I think it's made us hungrier and really understanding how much that hurts and at a pinnacle event like Comm Games, knowing that medals are on the line, you don't want it to happen again - it's not pleasant and it feels horrible."

"You only get one chance to get things done and we need to learn to push through that and actually get it done."

Following their first loss to Jamaica on Thursday night, the Ferns were left with major room for improvement. However, they failed to make vital changes, embarrassingly handing the series final over to Jamaica – the first visiting nation to ever claim the Taini Jamison Trophy.

In similar style to Thursday night's match, Jamaican goal shoot Jhaniele Fowler-Reid's significant height advantage saw New Zealand defenders Katrina Grant and Kelly Jury struggle in the opposing circle.

Jamaica's defending duo Shamera Sterling and Stacian Facey kept Silver Fern shooters Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Bailey Mes hesitant, as the Kiwis too often passed up vital opportunities to score.

The Ferns saw a glimmer of hope when their Maria Folau, who had been managing a knee complaint, entered the game halfway through the first quarter. However the Ferns' lack of possession gave the sharp long-range shooter little opportunity to make a significant impact.

Goal keeper Temalisi Fakahokotau took the court during the third quarter, and although the feisty defender managed to snatch vital intercepts from Fowler-Reid, the Ferns failed to capitalise on each turnover opportunity.

The Silver Ferns' shot at redemption slowly trickled further and further away during the fourth quarter, as Jamaica continued to profit from the Ferns' frustration.

In a recurring theme of late, Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby remained optimistic despite her side's lack of consistency.

"There was definitely improvement in some areas, but just not consistently across the whole game and that's frustrating and it's certainly got to be addressed really quickly."

"It's about going over the basics and making sure everyone learns to stay in the moment and not freak out … it think it's about building those connections and combinations."

The Silver Ferns now have just four days to rest before flying to the Gold Coast and less than two weeks before their opening match against Uganda on April 5.